October8,2009

Today, Congressman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) voted in support of the Conference Report to H.R. 2647, the fiscal year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation supports our men and women in uniform and their families, equips our troops with the tools they needs to fight current and future conflicts, and includes provisions to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in the contracting process. Smith was also instrumental in securing more than $35 million to fund important projects in Washington state.

“This bill places our policies and priorities exactly where they belong – on our troops and their families,” said Congressman Adam Smith. “Program after program, this bill ensures that we are honoring the sacrifice of our troops and their families. It provides a 3.4 % pay raise, strengthens military health care and family support programs, and authorizes numerous other programs that will assist military families.”

As Chair of the Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities subcommittee, Congressman Smith plays an influential role in shaping our nations policies in combating violent extremists and ensuring our troops have the funding and resources they need to do their jobs and keep America safe.

“As Chairman, I worked to ensure my subcommittee’s portion of the bill focused on some of our nation’s most important challenges; the fight against violent extremists, the development and deployment of innovative technology, and defending the homeland from catastrophic unconventional attacks. The bill provides our Special Operations Forces with more of the necessary equipment, authorities, and support required to complete their missions. It also authorizes vital science and technology research programs, and fully funds our efforts to defend against chemical and biological threats. ”

The NDAA authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2010 military activities including the Department of Defense, the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DoE), military construction projects, and other defense and military personnel activities related to U.S. national security efforts.

The bill also authorizes funding for projects and programs in Washington state requested by Congressman Smith including:

$9,000,000 – Military Construction to construct a joint base access road between Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base.

$5,800,000 – University of Washington to expand the use of health care simulation technologies used by the Department of Defense.

$5,000,000 – Seattle Biomedical Research Institute to conduct clinical trials on a second generation malaria vaccine.

$4,000,000 – Lockheed Martin Aculight to develop a technology to address hearing loss in military personnel.

$3,000,000 – FATE Therapeutics to develop a therapy and cure for hearing loss in military personnel and veterans.

$2,500,000 – Tacoma Trauma Trust for trauma training of military medical personnel at local civilian hospitals.

$2,500,000 – Agilent Technologies to develop a next generation system to detect and jam enemy communications, IEDs, and other electronic warfare threats.

$1,800,000 – Sagem Morpho to develop a portable device that will be used by operators in the field to search, capture, and identity latent fingerprints.

$1,000,000 – Quest Integrated to develop new inspection methods and procedures using magneto-optic imaging for F-15s that will eliminate the need to disassemble part of the aircraft.

$1,000,000 -- Blood Cell Storage, Inc. to develop a system to allow military blood banks to monitor the viability of multiple platelet storage bags.

The Conference Report must now be approved by the Senate before the President can sign it into law.